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Wild Wild West

By Pippi Smith |
October 19, 2017

Wild Wild West

In the far north of Western Australia, the Kimberley region is a panorama of rugged ranges, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls.

Wild Wild West

Encompassing an area of almost 425,000 square kilometres in the north-western corner of Australia, the Kimberley is home to some of the world’s most untouched scenery with glorious canyons, winding rivers, freshwater swimming holes and abundant wildlife. For 30 years, True North has been cruising this spectacular region. To take it all in, the ship offers lavish vantage points, including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an al fresco bar.

Wet a Line

Armed with scones and a billy of tea, expedition boats will ferry you up the Drysdale River in search of mangrove jack and barramundi. Next you will stop at Gwion Gwion, also known as the Bradshaw paintings. This ancient rock art is thought to be the oldest figurative art in the world. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is also a star attraction. The Mitchell River – famous for big barramundi and even bigger crocodiles – is up next. While the fishers drop a line, other guests can take an expedition boat to Surveyors Creek – which is a croc-free natural pool set in layers of King Leopold sandstone.

The Hunter

Halfway through the trip, guests wake to the magnificent Hunter River. This is about as remote as you can get in Australia, lined with dense mangrove forests, surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains and home to man-eating crocodiles. As well as watching the scenery go by, there’s fishing, mud crabbing and bird-watching on offer or you can scout the area on foot with a short hike to the beautiful Jackson Falls. As the adventure continues, early risers will be treated to a helicopter flight with a difference – a champagne sunrise on top of a mountain. The next morning is devoted to exploring the Sale River before setting off for the 360km square Montgomery Reef.

Your final day on True North is spent with another Kimberley icon, the Horizontal Falls. All too soon, your adventure comes to an end, but not before a celebratory farewell dinner as you glide past Cockatoo and Koolan islands, Cape Leveque and down the Dampier Peninsula to Broome, all the while planning your next trip.

WHEN & WHERE

Kimberley Ultimate (13 nights): True North’s flagship trip takes in all of the iconic destinations in the region at a leisurely pace. There’s plenty of time to fish, relax and explore this magnificent region. Prices start from $21,995 per person/twin share for 2018 departures from Wyndham to Broome.

Kimberley Waterfalls (10 nights): Experience the end of the wet season with summer storms, light shows, waterfalls and swollen billabongs. Also see rock art and barramundi. Prices start from $17,995 per person/twin share for 2018 departures from Broome to Wyndham (or reverse).

Kimberley Barra Bonanza (seven nights): Stalk elusive barramundi, arm-wrestle giant trevally and lure mackerel, mangrove jack and fingermark. Also includes other sojourns. Prices start from $13,595 per person/twin share for 2018 departures from Wyndham to Hunter River or Hunter River to Broome.

Kimberley Snapshot (seven nights): This trip condenses the Kimberley Ultimate voyage into one week. Prices start from $13,595 per person/twin share for 2018 departures from Broome to Wyndham.